More Americans are choosing not to be employedThe percentage of Americans with jobs or actively seeking work has dropped to 63.6%, nearly the lowest rate in 30 years, data show. Even before the recession started, more young people were putting off employment as they attended college, while more parents opted to stay home and older workers retired, experts say. The Wall Street Journal
(10/28)

HR professionals and business leaders agree on the importance of attracting, retaining and cultivating top talent. An employee recognition and reward program that has buy-in and support from business leaders can transform corporate culture, make your organization a great place to work, and build your brand as a top employer. Read our whitepaper to learn how to sell the program vision, set objectives and scale, and get tips for reducing time, effort and cost.

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Recruiting & Retention

How to tell when a bad hire can't be salvagedIf an employee can't work with others or has no enthusiasm for the job, it may be time for the company to part ways with him, experts say. "They may be smart as anything, but if their attitude is just not right for the culture of the workplace, it is simply not going to work," says Terri Simon of Ignited. iMedia Connection
(10/29)

Why money isn't the secret to employee happinessThe best way to motivate workers isn't through money but through finding out what makes them feel good while working, Geoffrey James writes. For example, try connecting employees with happy customers, because employees "feel better about themselves, and therefore happier, when they can see that what they do is making a positive difference in the world," he writes. Inc. online (free registration)
(10/26)

Benefits & Compensation

Lawsuit says worker was shorted 23 cents in overtime payA former Office Depot worker in California has filed a lawsuit saying that two $50 prizes he received should have been factored into his regular pay rate, which would have enabled him to earn an extra 23 cents in overtime for the two months that he received the bonuses. A court has declined to dismiss the case and allowed it to proceed as a class action. BusinessManagementDaily.com
(10/28)

A simple reason benefits programs should be unifiedOne way employers waste money on their benefits programs and create confusion for workers is by using multiple benefits suppliers that provide overlapping services, experts say. To address the problem, employers should present suppliers with a plan for unifying services. "Don't underestimate your ability to create improvement. ... Ultimately you are responsible because you are the payer," says Chris McSwain of Wal-Mart Stores. Business Insurance (tiered subscription model)
(10/28)

Regulatory & Legal Update

NAIC raises concerns about federal health insurance plansThe National Association of Insurance Commissioners has raised concerns about two national health insurance plans set to launch through state exchanges as part of the Affordable Care Act. The plans will be allowed to compete against private insurers, but it's uncertain whether they will be subject to the same rules and regulations. "It is absolutely essential that multistate plans compete on a level playing field with other qualified health plans, which are subject to state insurance law," the NAIC wrote in a letter to the Office of Personnel Management. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(10/27)

The HR Leader

The keys to organizing a productive meetingMeetings tend to be unpopular, but, when run properly, they are a key part of business life, writes John Jantsch. Effective meetings should have a limited number of attendees and stick to a clear schedule, according to Al Pittampalli, author of "Read This Before Our Next Meeting." It's also important to remember that meetings are not the same as brainstorming sessions. Duct Tape Marketing
(10/24)

Workplace Chatter

Car-charging roads and other glimpses from the highway of the futureA group of Dutch designers has joined forces with a construction company to develop roadway technologies designed to make driving safer and more efficient. Among the advancements that could begin hitting a few European roads next year are dynamic road icons that warn drivers of icy conditions, street lights that only shine when cars are driving by and "Induction Priority Lanes" that charge electric vehicles while they are in motion. Popular Science
(10/26)

Most Read

Top five news stories selected by SmartBrief on Workforce readers in the past week.